By Adesakin Adefemi
The African Democratic Congress has released its timetable for the 2026 primary elections, setting the stage for the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections and urging aspirants to comply fully with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
In a press statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Saturday, the party said the schedule reflects its commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and adherence to electoral guidelines as it positions itself for next year’s polls.
According to the timetable, the process is already underway. Collection of application forms began on April 1 and will close on May 4, 2026. The sale of nomination forms is slated for May 5 to May 10, while submission of completed forms will run from May 11 to May 13, 2026.
Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 14 to May 15, with the results to be published on May 17, 2026. The party has set May 18 to May 19 for hearing appeals from disqualified or aggrieved aspirants, and the final list of cleared contenders will be released on May 20, 2026.
Primaries will begin on May 21, 2026, with simultaneous elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats at the ward level nationwide. Governorship primaries are fixed for May 22, while the highly anticipated Presidential Primary will hold on May 25, 2026.
The exercise will be rounded off with a meeting of the National Executive Committee on May 26, followed by a Special National Convention on May 27, 2026, where final ratifications of candidates will be made before submission to the electoral commission.
To drive participation, the ADC also unveiled its nomination fee structure. The presidential nomination form is pegged at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N3 million.
In a bid to promote inclusivity, the party announced concessional rates for underrepresented groups. Youths will receive a 50 percent discount on all forms, while women and persons with disabilities will enjoy a 25 percent discount across all elective positions.
Abdullahi called on all members, stakeholders, and aspirants to adhere strictly to the outlined schedule and guidelines. He said the ADC “continues to position itself as the primary platform for Nigerians seeking competent, accountable, and people-focused leadership in 2027.”
